2018

It’s 3 days away before 2017 comes to a close and the beginning of 2018, at the time of writing this. I’d like to say I will miss 2017, in a way I will as it taught me so much but it’s a chapter which I’m ready to close. Though this post isn’t a reflection of 2017. No, I suppose this post is more of a new year’s resolution list – though it’s not what I’d like to label it as. Perhaps a manifesto in what I am determined to follow through…

Get back to my happy weight and shape.

I’m not going to mention any numbers – whether it be weight or size. At the start of 2017, I was happy with my body and my weight but slowly it’s unravelled and by the end, I’ve become deeply unhappy. Which is why I want to get back to my happy weight and shape, which I may document on my blog, though you may question why I won’t mention any numbers. This is because I don’t want anyone to feel pressured and that my happy place in terms of weight and shape should be theirs. My happy weight and shape are for me and everyone’s is different. I know I’m going to start practising yoga more regularly but also will be joining my uni gym with one of my uni friends.

Read, Read, Read.

In 2017 my reading goal was 125 books which I was able to achieve. However, I for a few months I barely read at all which put me into a really tough reading slump. Which is why my goal to read, read, read is so important, as I want to ensure that I take a little bit of time each and every day for at least ten minutes whether it be morning or night or even both! Reading is a time for me, and it’s something which I hope to value so much more.

Try and go vegan or vegetarian for a week.

My diet isn’t the best, it could definitely get a whole lot worse but I want to improve it! Which I have been doing slowly in 2017 and making healthier choices though I am aware of how much meat is in my diet which is why I have set this goal. I need to push my tastes out a little bit more and try a wider range of foods which is why I thought it might be fun to attempt a different diet style!

Write and never stop again!

2017 was the year I rediscovered my love of writing again. I stopped for such a long time, I didn’t even really realise until I broke. Writing is a way I heal but also how I’ve learnt a way of expressing myself. Once again like reading, writing for me is an act of self-care and its something which I want to continue.

Get to the doctors for skin.

Some people may not be aware but I have a skin condition known as psoriasis. It’s something I’ve had for over 10 years, most of my life and its something which is beginning to worsen. Which is why I need to fight to see a specialist and sort out my skin, I need to get it sorted.

Dye hair purple.

Now, this may seem a strange goal, but once again due to my skin condition, I have to be really careful what I use on my skin. However, this year I won’t let it stop me and I am determined to get my hair dyed which I’ve been wanting to do for years!

Photography

Since starting this blog something else I rediscovered is photography. When I was doing my GCSE’s this is when I first discovered my love of taking pictures but we didn’t really learn how to use a camera or edit photos correctly. It was mainly messing about but I did try my best. So for 2018, I want to continue learning how to use my camera and taking better photographs. 2018 is a year I aim for a lot of self-improvement.

Uni

Keep working hard at uni and constantly taking on advice and trying to improve. I’d love to finally push my essays over to the 2:1 since I seem to be only a few marks away. I want to make sure I read all my texts in advanced and participate as much as possible. Basically be a better student and don’t let failure or anything put me off.

These are goals and aims for myself in 2018. I may hit them, I may not and more goals maybe created but something I’ve learnt in 2017 is to not put as much pressure on myself. I need to take 2018 as it comes and enjoy the year. All I know if that I want 2018 to be a year of constant self-improvement and a year I truly get to know myself better.

These are some great goals! I’ve wanted to dye my hair dark brown (I have dirty blonde right now) but the maintenance kind of scares me (I would seriously turn into a skunk if I didn’t keep the roots touched up) and I also really love donating my hair every two years which you can’t do if it’s colored. I might make this the year that I get my first tattoo though! I have to say, purple hair is pretty awesome!

I also really want to work on my reading pace for next year too. I also had several months where everything just fell apart and I didn’t read a word. So I’m also going to take the approach of reading at least a little every day.

I think you can donate even if it’s coloured as long as its a natural colour I have been told? Good luck with your tattoo, what are you planning on having done. My purple hair is going to be a one off just to see if I like it or not.

A little every day of reading is definitely a good idea, whether its a novel or manga or graphic novel.